PROJECTS
The Joy Block
Music has the capacity to bring people together from diverse backgrounds. In Portland, OR there is a thriving Samba community nurtured and cultivated by a diverse group of 30 community musicians and dancers known as BLOCO ALEGRIA, (THE JOY BLOCK) The band emulates the traditions of Rio de Janeiro where community bands on various city blocks frequently entertain. The band ranges in age from 20-70 and has varied professional backgrounds. The thing that has brought them together since 2011 to entertain and spread community is their love of the music. Together, as a collective they take the next step to produce their own show at the historic Star Theater.
Beatloric
Beatloric was a virtual benefit concert for the upcoming documentary “Beatlore” - a film about percussionist Derek Rieth’s life, his music and his struggle with mental illness.
Derek Rieth was a percussionist and beloved member of the band Pink Martini for more than 18 years. Tragically, in 2014, Derek lost a battle with mental illness and died by suicide.
This one-of-a-kind concert included performances by:
-Pink Martini’s Thomas Lauderdale and China Forbes
-The Phil Baker Quintet
-Tony Ozier and The Doo Doo Funk All Stars
-And a special performance by percussionist Miguel Bernal
RISE
“RISE” is the upbeat new power anthem from singer China Forbes (lead vocalist of Pink Martini), the second single from her upcoming long-awaited new solo album. This song of hope was written for and is dedicated to China's Pink Martini bandmate Derek Rieth, who lost a long battle with bipolar disorder when he took his own life in 2014.
From China Forbes: "When my bandmate and great friend, Derek Rieth, was suffering with depression, I sent him a text with some imagery that I thought might help him: 'Rise to the surface of the water, so you can feel the sun on your face again...' I thought that if he stopped resisting the phase he was in, he would rise up out of its grasp. But depression is a desperate, enervated place, and too many of us cannot see a way out. After Derek died by suicide, the words in my text became a song—a song that I hope will help anyone who is suffering from hopelessness. There is hope, and I hope you can feel it."
RISE will be featured in Beatlore, an upcoming documentary on Derek Rieth and the mental health crisis in Oregon.
Beatlore
Beatlore Is A Documentary Film Celebrating The Life And Legacy Of Derek Rieth. Derek’s Long Struggle With Bipolar Disorder Ended When He Died By Suicide On August 20, 2014 At The Age Of 43.
To The Outside World, Derek Was Best Known For His 18 Years Of Percussion Work With The Internationally Acclaimed Band, Pink Martini.